Obama urges Americans to get involved to foster future change

Posted: 10:45 pm Tuesday, January 10th, 2017

By Jamie Dupree

In a farewell address from his adopted home town of Chicago, President Barack Obama called on Americans of all stripes to remain engaged in the political process, arguing it’s the best way to embrace the constant change that he says “has been America’s hallmark.”

“I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than I was when we started,” the President said to a crowd of 18,000 people, gathered at the McCormick Place convention center.

“I know our work has not only helped so many Americans; it has inspired so many Americans – especially so many young people out there – to believe you can make a difference,” Mr. Obama added.

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In his speech, the President set out what he said were the main challenges to the U.S. democratic ideals – economic inequality, racial divisions, an excessively coarse debate, and not working hard enough to help the country.

“Our Consititution is a remarkable, beautiful gift,” Mr. Obama said.

“All of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings,” he added.